U.S. patent application number 15/062251 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for alleviating rear window noise apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Magna Closures Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric V. KALLIOMAKI, Spiridon-Sorin S. TUDORA.
Application Number | 20160263977 15/062251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56801221 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160263977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KALLIOMAKI; Eric V. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2016 |
ALLEVIATING REAR WINDOW NOISE APPARATUS
Abstract
An apparatus for alleviating window buffeting noise and
associated vibrations along a rear window of an automotive vehicle
is provided. The apparatus includes a baffle received in a recess
of a B-pillar. The B-pillar is located forward of the rear window,
and the baffle is disposed vertically along the B-pillar. The
baffle extends over at least a portion of the height of the opening
to the rear window. An actuation mechanism moves the baffle outward
of the B-pillar when the window is lowered to a predetermined lower
position, such that the baffle deflects air flow and thus reduces
window buffeting along the open window. The actuation mechanism
also retracts the baffle back into the B-pillar when the window is
raised to a predetermined raised position, at which window
buffeting is no longer significant.
Inventors: |
KALLIOMAKI; Eric V.;
(Uxbridge, CA) ; TUDORA; Spiridon-Sorin S.;
(Richmond Hill, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Magna Closures Inc. |
Newmarket |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
56801221 |
Appl. No.: |
15/062251 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62132010 |
Mar 12, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 13/04 20130101;
B60R 13/0815 20130101; B60J 1/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60J 10/50 20060101
B60J010/50; B60R 13/08 20060101 B60R013/08; B60J 1/20 20060101
B60J001/20 |
Claims
1. An noise alleviating apparatus associated with a door of a motor
vehicle for alleviating noise caused in response to movement of a
window within a window opening of the door, the noise alleviating
apparatus comprising: a baffle support mounted to a forward
vertically-extending pillar section of the door adjacent to the
window opening; a baffle supported by the baffle support for
movement between a retracted position disposed within the baffle
support and a deployed position extending outwardly from the baffle
support; and an actuation mechanism connected to the baffle and
operable for moving the baffle from its retracted position into its
deployed position in response to the window moving from a closed
position to a predetermined lowered window position within the
window opening, the actuation mechanism further operable for moving
the baffle from its deployed position to its retracted position in
response to the window moving from an open position to a
predetermined raised window position within the window opening.
2. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 1 further including a
window position sensor operable to detect the position of the
window within the window opening, wherein the actuation mechanism
includes a power-operated actuator coupled to the baffle and
operable to move the baffle to its deployed position when the
window position sensor detects movement of the window to its
predetermined lowered window position and is further operable to
move the baffle to its retracted position when the window position
sensor detects movement of the window to its predetermined raised
window position.
3. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 2 wherein the
predetermined lowered window position is different than the
predetermined raised window position.
4. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 2 wherein the
power-operated actuator includes an electric motor and a connection
mechanism interconnecting the electric motor to the baffle, and
wherein the window position sensor provides a signal to a motor
controller operable for controlling actuation of the electric motor
to move the baffle between its retracted and deployed
positions.
5. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 4 wherein the window
position sensor is associated with the electric motor.
6. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 4 wherein the window
position sensor is configured to detect the position of a window
regulator mechanism supporting the window within the door and which
is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position to
move the window between its open and closed positions within the
window opening.
7. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 6 wherein the window
regulator mechanism is connected to a second electric motor for
controlling movement of the window regulator mechanism between its
lowered and raised positions within the door.
8. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 4 wherein the
connection mechanism includes a rack and pinion mechanism having a
rack coupled to the baffle, and a drive shaft interconnecting the
electric motor to one or more pinions of the rack and pinion
mechanism, wherein movement of the pinion along the rack in a first
direction results in movement of the baffle toward its deployed
position, and wherein movement of the pinion along the rack in a
second direction results in movement of the baffle toward its
retracted position.
9. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 4 wherein a first end
of the baffle is pivotably connected about a pivot joint to the
baffle support, and wherein the connection mechanism is operable to
pivot the baffle about the pivot joint from its retracted position
into its deployed position.
10. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the
actuation mechanism includes a pivot pin configured to pivotably
support a first end of the baffle relative to the baffle support,
wherein the baffle pivots about the pivot pin from its retracted
position into its deployed position in response to the window
moving within the opening to its predetermined lowered window
position, and wherein the baffle pivots about the pivot pin from
its deployed position into its retracted position in response to
the window moving in the opening to its predetermined raised window
position.
11. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 10 wherein the
actuation mechanism further includes a lever cam and a lift arm
connecting the baffle to the lever arm, wherein the window forcibly
acts on the lever cam upon movement into its predetermined lowered
window position which causes the lift arm to pivotably move the
baffle about the pivot pin from its retracted position into its
deployed position, and wherein the window is released from
engagement with the lever cam upon movement to its predetermined
raised window position which causes the lift arm to pivotably move
the baffle from its deployed position into its retracted
position.
12. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the door is
a rear door of the vehicle, and wherein the pillar section of the
door is a B-pillar.
13. A noise alleviating apparatus associated with a door of a motor
vehicle for alleviating noise caused in response to movement of a
window within a window opening of the door, the noise alleviating
apparatus comprising: a baffle support mounted to a forward
vertically-extending pillar section of the door adjacent to the
window opening; a baffle supported by the baffle support for
movement between a retracted position disposed within the baffle
support and a deployed position extending outwardly from the baffle
support; and a power-operated actuation mechanism operable for
moving the baffle from its retracted position into is deployed
position in response to the window moving from a closed position to
a predetermined lowered window position within the window opening,
the power-operated actuation mechanism further operable for moving
the baffle from its deployed position to its retracted position in
response to the window moving from an open position to a
predetermined raised window position within the window opening.
14. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 13 further including a
control system including an electronic controller and a window
position sensor operable to detect the position of the window
within the window opening and provide a window position signal to
the controller, wherein the power-operated actuation mechanism is
coupled to the baffle and operable to move the baffle to its
deployed position when the window position sensor detects movement
of the window to its predetermined lowered window position and is
further operable to move the baffle to its retracted position when
the window position sensor detects movement of the window to its
predetermined raised window position.
15. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 14 wherein the
predetermined lowered window position is different than the
predetermined raised window position.
16. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 14 wherein the
power-operated actuation mechanism includes an electric motor and a
connection mechanism interconnecting the electric motor to the
baffle, and wherein the window position sensor provides the window
position signal to the electronic controller for controlling
actuation of the electric motor to cause the connection mechanism
to move the baffle between its retracted and deployed
positions.
17. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 16 wherein the window
position sensor is associated with the electric motor.
18. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 16 wherein the window
position sensor is configured to detect the position of a window
regulator mechanism supporting the window within the door and which
is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position to
move the window between its open and closed positions within the
window opening.
19. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 18 wherein the window
regulator mechanism is connected to a second electric motor for
controlling movement of the window regulator mechanism between its
lowered and raised positions within the door.
20. The noise alleviating apparatus of claim 16 wherein the
connection mechanism includes a rack and pinion mechanism having a
rack coupled to the baffle, and a drive shaft interconnecting the
electric motor to one or more pinions of the rack and pinion
mechanism, wherein movement of the pinion along the rack in a first
direction results in movement of the baffle toward its deployed
position, and wherein movement of the pinion along the rack in a
second direction results in movement of the baffle toward its
retracted position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/132,010, filed Mar. 12, 2015, the entire content
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and
method for alleviating window buffeting noise in an automotive
vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related
generally to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior
art.
[0004] Noise heard by occupants riding in the passenger cabin of an
automotive vehicle comes from various sources including the
vehicle's powertrain, the road, and window buffeting. The window
buffeting noise is particularly disturbing, and unlike the other
types of noise, is encountered more often in newer vehicles. Window
buffeting, also referred to as wind buffeting, Helmholz resonance,
or the helicopter effect, occurs when one of the windows of the
vehicle is lowered to create an opening to the cabin and allow air
to enter the cabin while the vehicle is in motion. Window buffeting
is caused by a shear layer established at an upstream edge of the
window opening to the cabin. Disturbances are shed from this
location and travel along the side of the vehicle. When the
disturbances reach the rear edge of the window opening, a pressure
wave is generated that propagates both inside and outside the
cabin. Outside the vehicle, the pressure wave propagates both
forward and backward. When the forward traveling wave reaches the
front edge of the window opening, it triggers another disturbance
that moves back toward the rear edge of the window opening. This
process is repeated many times each second and causes the shear
layer to develop a characteristic buffeting frequency. The
buffeting frequency and resulting noise depends on many factors
which may include, for example, the size and shape of the vehicle,
the position of the lowered window, the geometry of the opening
created by the lowered window, the volume of the vehicle cabin, the
speed of the vehicle, the relative air flow direction and speed
over the vehicle body, and the temperature, pressure and density of
the surrounding air. While the buffeting frequency may be below a
range that can be heard by humans, the buffeting effect can still
be felt by the vehicle occupants as a pulsating wind force. In
addition, the associated vibration in the vehicle structure may
cause undesirable resonator effects.
[0005] The window buffeting noise and associated vibrations are
typically distracting and annoying to occupants riding in the
vehicle. Typically, the driver eliminates the window buffeting
noise and vibration by immediately closing the window, which is not
ideal and may be hazardous since some of the driver's attention is
taken away from the road and surrounding traffic. Although window
buffeting noise is easy to measure with a microphone, the pressure
waves causing the noise are difficult to analyze. Accordingly,
there remains a need for an improved apparatus and method for
alleviating window buffeting noise and vibrations, particularly in
motor vehicle applications.
SUMMARY
[0006] This section provides a general summary of the present
disclosure and is not intended to be interpreted or considered as
an exhaustive and comprehensive listing of all of its aspects,
objectives, features and advantages.
[0007] It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide an
arrangement or apparatus configured to alleviate window buffeting
noise and vibrations associated with a window in a motor
vehicle.
[0008] It is a related aspect of the present disclosure to provide
a method for utilizing the arrangement or apparatus in association
with the window of a motor vehicle for alleviating such buffeting
noise and/or vibrations during motive operation of the motor
vehicle.
[0009] In accordance with these and other aspects and objectives of
the present disclosure, an apparatus for alleviating window
buffeting noise and vibrations along the window of an automotive
vehicle is provided. The noise alleviating apparatus comprises a
baffle support located forward of an opening configured to contain
the window, a baffle moveable relative to the baffle support
between retracted and deployed positions, and an actuation
mechanism for controlling such movement of the baffle. The window
opening includes a lower edge and an upper edge defining a height
dimension therebetween. The baffle is received in the baffle
support and extends over at least a portion of the height of the
window opening. The apparatus may further include a window position
sensor for identifying when the window reaches a predetermined
lowered position between the lower edge and the upper edge of the
window opening or a predetermined raised position between the lower
edge and the upper edge of the window opening. The actuation
mechanism is coupled to the baffle. The actuation mechanism is
actuated to move the baffle relative to the baffle support from the
retracted position to the deployed position when the window has
reached its predetermined lower position. The actuation mechanism
is actuated to retract the baffle into the baffle support when the
window has reached its predetermined raised position. In one
embodiment, a power-operated device associated with the actuation
mechanism controls movement of the baffle in response to a position
signal provided by the window position sensor. In another
embodiment, the actuation mechanism is actuated mechanically in
response to the position of the window itself within the
opening.
[0010] A method for using the noise alleviating apparatus in motor
vehicles is also provided. The method includes the steps of
disposing the baffle support forward of the window opening in a
vehicle door which supports a moveable window, wherein the opening
includes a lower edge and an upper edge defining a height dimension
therebetween; and disposing the baffle in the baffle support such
that the baffle extends over at least a portion of the height of
the window opening. The method further includes the steps of
coupling the actuation mechanism to the baffle; and actuating the
actuation mechanism to move the baffle outwardly relative to the
baffle support from its retracted position to its deployed position
when the window has reached a predetermined lowered position, and
actuating the actuation mechanism to move the baffle inwardly
relative to the baffle support from its deployed position into its
retracted position when the window has reached a predetermined
raised position.
[0011] A method for alleviating noise along the window of the
automotive vehicle is also provided. The method includes the steps
of moving the baffle outwardly relative to an outer surface of the
vehicle when the window reaches a predetermined lower position; and
retracting the baffle into the baffle support when the window
reaches a predetermined raised position.
[0012] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations
such that the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger-side rear door
of an automotive vehicle equipped with a noise alleviating
apparatus constructed according to one example embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of a baffle, baffle support, and
an actuation mechanism associated with the noise alleviating
apparatus shown in FIG. 1 prior to installation into the rear
door;
[0016] FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the baffle of the noise
alleviating apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the passenger-side rear door
of the automotive vehicle equipped with a noise alleviating
apparatus constructed according to another example embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the baffle, the baffle
support, and the actuation mechanism associated with the noise
alleviating apparatus shown in FIG. 2 prior to installation into
the rear door;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the baffle, the baffle
support, and the actuation mechanism associated with a noise
alleviating apparatus constructed according to yet another example
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example system logic
associated with a method for alleviating window buffeting noise and
related vibration using the noise alleviating apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a general illustration of an electrical control
system used with the noise alleviating apparatus of FIG. 1 for
alleviating the noise according to an example embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a general illustration of an alternative
electrical control system used with the noise alleviating apparatus
of FIG. 1 for alleviating the noise according to another example
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example system logic
associated with a method for alleviating window buffeting noise
using the noise alleviating apparatus of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3;
[0024] FIGS. 8-11 are perspective views of the rear door of the
automotive vehicle, wherein the baffle is shown in a deactivated or
retracted position (FIG. 8 and FIG. 10) and an activated or
deployed position (FIG. 9 and FIG. 11); and
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a window regulator operable
for controlling movement of the window in the rear door.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Example embodiments of a device for reducing noise and
related vibrations, hereinafter referred to as a noise alleviating
apparatus, configured for application with motor vehicle door
systems will now be more fully described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood that the
disclosed embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The
drawings may not necessarily be to scale with some features
exaggerated or minimized to better illustrate details of particular
components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not intended to be interpreted as limiting,
but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in
the art to employ the inventive concepts and arrangements
associated with the present disclosure. As those skilled in the art
will understand, various features illustrated and described with
reference to any one of the drawings may be combined with features,
illustrated in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments
that are not expressly illustrated or described but which are
intended to be within the scope of protection afforded the present
disclosure. The combination of components and features illustrated
provide representative embodiments for anticipated
applications.
[0027] In accordance with the present disclosure a device for
reducing noise and vibration, hereinafter referred to as a noise
and vibration alleviating apparatus 10, is configured and arranged
in association with a door 12 of a motor vehicle for addressing and
reducing window buffeting noise and related vibrations generated in
response to movement of a window 14 within a window opening 16
formed in the door 12. Additionally, a method of operating
apparatus 10 is disclosed for automatically reducing the
undesirable window buffeting noise and related vibration in
response to certain movement of window 14 within window opening 16.
With installation of apparatus 10 in door 12, the vehicle
operator's attention can remain focused on the road and surrounding
traffic due to the alleviation of the window buffeting noise and
vibrations.
[0028] Noise alleviating apparatus 10 is preferably disposed along
a B-pillar of a rear door 12 and positioned forward of a rear
window 14 of the motor vehicle. Noise alleviating apparatus 10 is
disposed in this non-limiting location because an open rear window
14 is known to generate the most window buffeting noise. However,
noise alleviating apparatus 10 can alternatively be disposed in
relation to door window systems in other locations along the motor
vehicle. Example embodiments of a noise alleviating apparatus 10
disposed along the B-pillar of the vehicle, are showing in FIGS.
1-3. FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate methods for alleviating the window
buffeting noise using one or more of apparatuses 10 shown in FIGS.
1-3. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate additional components of the vehicle
which can be used with apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 8-11 show the
noise alleviating apparatuses 10 of the present disclosure disposed
along the B-pillar, wherein an outer panel 20 of vehicle door 12
covers some components of noise alleviating apparatus 10.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, each alternative embodiment of noise
alleviating apparatus 10 generally includes a baffle 28 received in
a baffle support 30. Baffle support 30 is adapted and configured to
be mounted in or to a B-pillar portion 22 of door 12 so as to be
disposed adjacent to window opening 16 and extends over the height
of window 14. In the example embodiment, baffle support 30 is
provided by B-pillar portion 22 adjacent to window opening 16 and
is disposed forward of rear window 14. B-pillar portion 22 of door
12 includes a recess extending longitudinally and facing outwardly
of the vehicle for receiving baffle support 30. Alternatively,
baffle support 30 could be provided by another component of the
vehicle, or another component coupled to the vehicle. As shown in
the drawings, B-pillar 22 is part of rear door 12, and rear door 12
defines window opening 16 for containing window 14 for movement
relative thereto between a range of positions established between a
fully raised or closed window position and a fully lowered or open
window position. Opening 16 includes an upper edge surface 32 and a
lower edge surface 34 interconnected by a front side surface 36 and
a rear side surface 38 which define a "height" dimension
therebetween. Window 14 is received in a window regulator 40 that
is operably disposed between outer panel 20 and an inner panel of
door 12. Window regulator 40 can be of any suitable configuration
for retaining window 14 for movement between its closed and open
window positions.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 12, a non-limiting example of window
regulator 40 is shown for moving window 14 between its open and
closed positions. Window regulator 40 generally includes a first or
front guide rail 42, a second or rear guide rail 44, a first or
front lifter 46, a second or rear lifter 48, and a cable drive
assembly 50. Each guide rail 42 and 44 has a corresponding one of
lifters 46 and 48 thereon. Lifters 46 and 48 are moveable up and
down on guide rails 42 and 44 between an upper position which
corresponds to the closed position of window 14 and a lower
position which corresponds to the open position of window 14.
Lifters 46 and 48 are shown in FIG. 12 in an intermediate position
located between the upper and lower positions.
[0031] Cable drive assembly 50 connects lifters 46 and 48 and
drives lifters 46 and 48 up and down along guide rails 42 and 44
between the upper and lower positions. Cable drive assembly 50 may
be any suitable cable drive assembly known in the art. For example,
cable drive assembly 50 may include a window regulator electric
motor 52, a drum 54, and a plurality of cables 56 that extend from
drum 54 around pulleys 58 or the like and connect to lifters 46 and
48. Rotation of a motor output associated with electric motor 52
causes cables 56 to be wound and unwound relative to drum 54 so as
to drive lifters 46 and 48 up and down along guide rails 42 and 44
and move window 14 up and down within window opening 16 of door
12.
[0032] An enlarged view of baffle 28, as used in noise alleviating
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is shown in FIG. 1B. Baffle 28 extends
longitudinally over at least a portion of the height of window
opening 16 from an upper end 62 to a lower end 64. Baffle 28
presents a length between upper end 62 and lower end 64. The length
of baffle 28 is preferably greater than half of the height of
window opening 16 which contains window 14. Baffle 28 also extends
horizontally from a front edge 66 to a rear edge 68 and outwardly
from an inner edge 70 to an outer edge 72. Baffle 28 presents a
width between front edge 66 and rear edge 68, and a thickness
between inner edge 70 and outer edge 72. In the example embodiment,
the width and the thickness are constant between upper end 62 and
the lower end 64. However, the geometry of baffle 28 can change in
view of various factors and is not limited to that shown in the
drawings.
[0033] Noise alleviating apparatus 10 further includes an actuation
mechanism 80. Actuation mechanism 80 is operable to move baffle 28
from a first or "retracted" position relative to baffle support 30
to a second "deployed" position away from baffle support 30 when
window 14 is lowered from its fully closed position toward its
fully open position to create an air passage into the cabin. This
occurs when a driver or passenger of the vehicle wants fresh air to
enter the cabin. Preferably, baffle 28 is actuated to move from its
retracted position to its deployed position when window 14 has been
lowered within opening 16 to a predetermined lowered window
position. This predetermined lowered window position is selected to
be the window position at which window buffeting can be heard by
the vehicle occupants and/or the window position at which
vibrations associated with the window buffeting can be felt by the
vehicle occupants. The predetermined lowered window position varies
depending on the particular application, as it depends in part on
the size and shape of the vehicle, the geometry of window opening
16, and the volume of the vehicle cabin. Actuation mechanism 80
also functions to retract baffle 28 from its deployed position into
its retracted position with respect to baffle support 30 when
window 14 reaches a predetermined raised window position, for
example when the driver or passenger closes window 14. The
predetermined lowered window position of the window 14 may be the
same as the predetermined raised window position of window 14.
However, the system could be designed so that these two actuation
positions are different from one another.
[0034] When window 14 reaches the predetermined lowered window
position, baffle 28 is located in its deployed position such that
it extends outwardly from an outer surface 78 of baffle support 30,
as best shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3, and which defines an
"activated" mode of apparatus 10. When window 14 reaches the
predetermined raised position, baffle 28 is located in its
retracted position such that it is flush with or disposed inward of
outer surface 78, and which defines a "deactivated" mode for
apparatus 10. In the activated mode, baffle 28 deflects air flow
along outer surface 78 of the vehicle, and thus reduces or
eliminates the undesirable window buffeting and the overall noise.
Outer surface 78 of baffle support 30 is preferably mounted to be
flush with an outer surface of B-pillar 22.
[0035] Actuation mechanism 80 of noise alleviating apparatus 10 can
comprise various different designs, for example those shown in
FIGS. 1-3. In noise alleviating apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, actuation
mechanism 80 includes a rack and pinion mechanism 84 for
automatically moving baffle 28 to its deployed position and
subsequently automatically retracting baffle 28 to its retracted
position in response to movement of window 14. Actuation mechanism
80 also includes an electric motor, or window noise actuator motor
82, to drive rack and pinion mechanism 84, and a flexible drive
shaft 86 coupling window noise actuator motor 82 to rack and pinion
mechanism 84. In this embodiment, window noise actuator motor 82 is
referred to as a CDL motor and is contained in a motor mount
housing 85. Rack and pinion mechanism 84 is contained in a chamber
formed in baffle support 30 behind baffle 28. As best shown in FIG.
1A, rack and pinion mechanism 84 includes a pair of gears 90
disposed adjacent to opposite ends 62 and 64 of baffle 28. Rack and
pinion mechanism 84 also includes a pair of gear shaft bearings 92
each disposed along a gear shaft 94 between gears 90. Rotation of
gear shaft 94 in a first direction is caused by rotation of drive
shaft 86 in a first direction upon actuation of window noise
actuator motor 82 which, in turn, causes gears 90 of rack and
pinion mechanism 84 to move along gear shaft 94 for moving baffle
28 outward of baffle support 30 to its deployed position. Such
actuation of window noise actuator motor 82 in the first direction
may start when window 14 reaches the predetermined lowered window
position. In contrast, rotation of gear shaft 94 in a second
direction is caused by rotation of drive shaft 86 in a second
direction upon actuation of window noise actuator motor 82 which,
in turn, causes gears 90 to move along gear shaft 94 for moving
baffle 28 from its deployed position back to its retracted position
when window 14 is raised to its predetermined raised position.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a logic flow chart illustrating a non-limiting
method for reducing noise and vibration associated with opening of
window 14 in the automotive vehicle using noise alleviating
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the method includes the
step of activating a window switch 100, which may be automatically
activated when the vehicle starts or intentionally activated by the
driver or passenger of the vehicle. Next, at step 102, the system
determines whether the vehicle is in motion. This step 102 can be
conducted by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, or
another component. If the vehicle is in motion, then the method
next includes the step 104 of determining the position of window
14. When window 14 is being lowered via actuation of window
regulator motor 52, the system determines at step 106 whether
window 14 has been lowered to, or past, its predetermined lowered
window position. Once window 14 is at the predetermined lowered
window position, actuation mechanism 80 is activated to move baffle
28 outward of baffle support 30 to its deployed position as
indicated by step 108. Thus, baffle 28 thereafter functions to
deflect air and alleviate the window buffeting, as indicated by
step 110. When window 14 is raised from its predetermined lowered
window position to the predetermined raised position, as indicated
by step 112, actuation mechanism 80 is activated (step 114) to
retract baffle 28 back into baffle support 30 since window
buffeting is no longer a problem. In the system of FIG. 1,
actuation mechanism 80 activates electric motor 82 which causes
gears 90 to rotate and move baffle 28 from its
deactivated/retracted position to its activated/deployed position,
or vice versa. If the system determines window 14 is closed or has
not reached the predetermined lower window position, then baffle 28
is not activated.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, a control system 120 for power-operated
control of window regulator 40 and noise alleviating apparatus 10
is shown to include an electronic controller unit (ECU) 122
configured to receive certain input signals and control actuation
of window regulator motor 52 and window noise actuator motor 82.
Specifically, an input signal from a window switch 124 is
identified by a lead line 126 while an input signal from the
vehicle's body control module (BCM) 128 is identified by a lead
line 130. Window switch 124 provides an input signal 126 indicative
of whether window 14 is requested to be raised or lowered within
window opening 16. Based on this input signal, ECU 122 controls
actuation of window regulator motor 52. Likewise, input signal 130
is indicative of a vehicle operating characteristics such as, for
example, the vehicle's road speed. A window position sensor may be
utilized to provide ECU 122 with an input signal indicative of the
position of window 14 within window opening 16. Such a window
position sensor may be integrated directly into window regulator
motor 52, as indicated schematically by block 132 in FIG. 12, and
be operable for providing ECU 122 with a signal indicative of when
window 14 has been lowered into its predetermined lowered window
position as well as when window 14 has subsequently been raised to
its predetermined raised window position via operation of window
regulator 40. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative control system 120'
configured to provide ECU 122 with a window position signal by a
lead line 140 based on a movement of window 14 (or regulator 40)
with respect to a glass position sensor 142. Position sensor 142
can be located in various alternative locations such as between an
edge of window 14 on one of side surfaces 36, 38 of window opening
16 or between one of lifters 46, 48 and guide rails 42, 44.
[0038] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a
mechanically-actuated version of noise alleviating apparatus 10A is
shown installed in door 12. Apparatus 10A is still equipped with a
moveable baffle 28 and a baffle support 30, but now includes an
alternative actuation mechanism 80A. Actuation mechanism 80A
includes a pivot pin 162 disposed along baffle support 30 adjacent
lower end 64 of baffle 28. Pivot pin 162 is disposed generally
parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. In this
embodiment, baffle 28 rotates about pivot pin 162 outwardly
relative to baffle support 30 from a retracted position to a
deployed position when window 14 reaches its predetermined lowered
window position and rotates about pivot pin 162 from its deployed
position back into its retracted position within baffle support 30
when window 14 reaches its predetermined raised window position. In
this embodiment, actuation mechanism 80A further includes a lever
cam 164, a cam support 166, a lift arm 168, and a spring 170. Lever
cam 164, cam support 166, lift arm 168, and spring 170 are disposed
along baffle support 30, as shown in FIG. 2. In operation, baffle
28 is automatically moved outwardly from outer surface 78 in
response to engagement of baffle 28 with lift arm 168. When window
14 reaches its predetermined lowered window position, an upper edge
of window 14 depresses lever cam 164 which, due to the linkage
connection between lever cam 164 and lift arm 168, causes baffle 28
to rotate about pivot pin 162 and outwardly from baffle support 30
from its retracted position into its deployed position. When window
14 is subsequently raised and reaches its predetermined raised
position, window 14 is released from engagement with lever cam 164
to permit baffle 28 to rotate about pivot pin 162 back into its
retracted position within baffle support 30.
[0039] In the example embodiment of noise alleviating apparatus 10B
shown in FIG. 3, actuation mechanism 80B again includes a pivot pin
162 disposed along baffle support 30 adjacent lower end 64 of
baffle 28, as well as still including lever cam 164, cam support
166, and spring 170. However, in this embodiment, an actuating rod
172 couples lever cam 164 to baffle 28. When window 14 is lowered
and reaches its predetermined lowered window position, a lower edge
198 (FIG. 12) of window 14 presses or engages lever cam 164 to
automatically rotate baffle 28 about pivot pin 162 outwardly from
baffle support 30 from its retracted position to its deployed
position. When window 14 is subsequently raised and reaches its
predetermined raised window position, window 14 is released from
engagement with lever cam 164 to allow baffle 28 to rotate about
pivot pin 16 from its deployed position to its retracted position
back into baffle support 30.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for alleviating
noise and vibration associated with open window 14 of the
automotive vehicle using noise alleviating apparatus 10B of FIG. 3.
A similar method can be employed with noise alleviating apparatus
10A of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the method first includes the
step 200 of activating window 14, either manually or
electronically. When window 14 is lowered to its predetermined
lowered window position, lower edge 198 of window 14 presses lever
cam 164 which causes actuating rod 172 to mechanically and
automatically move baffle 28 outwardly relative to baffle support
30 to its deployed position as indicated by steps 202 and 204. When
window 14 subsequently is raised to its predetermined raised window
position, as noted by step 206, window 14 releases lever cam 164
which causes actuating rod 172 to automatically retract baffle 28
back into baffle support 30 and into its retracted position (step
208).
[0041] FIGS. 8-11 are perspective views of rear door 12 and window
14 of the automotive vehicle with outer panel 20 disposed over some
of the components. FIGS. 8 and 10 show baffle 28 in the retracted
position with noise alleviating apparatus 10, 10A, 10B operating in
its non-activated mode. In contrast, FIGS. 9 and 11 show baffle 28
in the deployed position with noise alleviating apparatus 10, 10A,
10B operating in its activated mode. Noise alleviating apparatus 10
is typically disposed along rear door 12, specifically along
B-pillar 22 of rear door 12, since an open rear window 12 is known
to generate the most window buffeting noise. However, noise
alleviating apparatus 10, 10A, 10B could be disposed in other
locations.
[0042] A method for manufacturing noise alleviating apparatus 10
described above is also provided. The method generally includes
disposing baffle support 30 forward of window 22 of the vehicle,
disposing baffle 28 in baffle support 30 for movement between
retracted and deployed positions, and disposing actuation mechanism
80 along baffle support 30.
[0043] In one example embodiment, the method includes disposing
electric motor 82 in a location spaced from baffle support 30,
disposing rack and pinion mechanism 84 along baffle support 30, and
coupling electric motor 82 to rack and pinion mechanism 84 with
flexible drive shaft 86, as shown in FIG. 1. As discussed above,
rack and pinion mechanism 84 moves baffle 28 outward of baffle
support 30 when window 14 reaches its predetermined lowered window
position and retracts baffle 28 back into baffle support 30 when
window 14 reaches its predetermined raised window position.
[0044] In another example embodiment, the method includes disposing
the pivot pin 162 along lower end 64 of baffle 28. This embodiment
further includes disposing the lever cam 164, cam support 166, lift
arm 168, and spring 170 along baffle support 30, as shown in FIG.
2. As discussed above, window 14 forcibly depresses lever cam 164
to automatically rotate baffle 28 about pivot pin 162 and move
outwardly of baffle support 30 when window 14 reaches its
predetermined lowered window position. Window 14 also releases
lever cam 164 to automatically rotate baffle 28 about pivot pin 162
and back into baffle support 30 when window 14 reaches its
predetermined raised window position.
[0045] In yet another example embodiment, the method includes
disposing pivot pin 162 along an end of baffle 28; disposing a
lever cam 164, cam support 166, and spring 170 in a location spaced
from baffle support 30; and coupling lever cam 64 to baffle 28 with
actuating rod 172, as shown in FIG. 3. As discussed above, window
14 presses lever cam 164 to rotate baffle 28 about pivot pin 162
and move outwardly of baffle support 30 when window 14 reaches its
predetermined lowered window position. Window 14 also releases
lever cam 164 to rotate baffle 28 about pivot pin 162 and back into
baffle support 30 when window 14 reaches its predetermined raised
window position.
[0046] A method for alleviating noise along a window 14 in a door
12 of an automotive vehicle is also provided. The method generally
includes moving baffle 28 outward of outer surface 78 of the
vehicle when window 14 reaches its predetermined lowered position,
and retracting baffle 28 when window 14 reaches its predetermined
raised position. Baffle 28 can be moved between its
retracted/non-active and its deployed/active positions by various
different techniques, as described above.
[0047] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
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